What’s new
We're delighted with the new shower rooms in the retreat house, and hugely grateful for the support of volunteers to get them ready for their first visitors. Volunteers, it seems, are behind most of our stories this time. From the growing outreach programme and the hard working conservation team, to the much needed housekeepers they have been much in evidence, proving again that we could not manage without them.
Our retreat team seem to have hit the mark with their year theme 'blessed are the merciful' which those on the friends weekend really enjoyed. Fr Jeroen takes up the theme in his reflections.
If you wanted to contribute to our retreat house restoration, you might like to support Veronica and Eddie Yarwood who are undertaking a 68 mile sponsored walk for the fund. Read on for these and other updates.
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The face of mercy
‘Misericordiae Vultus’ (the Face of Mercy) is the title of the document with which pope Francis announced the Year of Mercy. The face refers to the face of Jesus. Jesus shows us the human face of God. It is primarily a face of love and compassion, a face of mercy. Read Fr Jeroen's reflections.
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Phase two complete
It was a race to the finish, but our 12 smart new shower units are in place in the first floor of the retreat house. Replacing the original two rather basic bathrooms, this completes the second phase of our planned refurbishment. Minsteracres board member Jim Darlington takes up the story.
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Sustainable woodland
Recent winter storms have created a lot of damage in the woodlands and parkland with as many as 18 mature trees blown down.
All is not lost, however, and a dedicated team of volunteers has begun a programme of harvesting the fallen timber and building up wood stores.
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Outreach stretches further
The outreach team at Minsteracres continues to go from strength to strength. Last year, with the help of the outreach volunteers, 200 wellbeing stays were provided here for around a dozen organistaions.
The team reflects on what their work means for them and their clients.
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Help for our housekeepers
It’s fair to say we couldn’t have got the retreat house ready in time for our first group of the year without the help of a small army of volunteers.
“It takes 20 minutes to turn each room around, and there are 30 in the retreat house alone plus public spaces," Maggie Main explains our need.
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